In Two Weeks (NY State Trooper Series) Read online

  “Someone’s done something like this to her before?” Shock registered on Rick’s face.

  Jared only nodded. He couldn’t give up the details, even to one of his closest friends.

  “Excuse me.” A woman peered through the doorway. “There’s another officer here.”

  Officer Jenkins and Detective Walter Kent rounded the corner into Ryan’s office. Nick Jenkins no longer sported the standard blue uniform.

  “Jared.” Nick held his hand out. “I think you know Detective Kent.”

  “You move up the ranks?” Jared asked.

  “Yeah, well, got tired of driving around in a patrol car for hours,” Nick said. “Didn’t want to do undercover stuff, so detective seemed like the next best thing.”

  “Will you excuse us?” Walter eyed Rick.

  “I’ll be in my office if you need me.” Rick stepped into the hallway.

  Jared pointed to the drawer.

  “Nice.” Walter shook his head. “And this isn’t the first calling card she’s gotten?”

  “Dead rose on her birthday with a threatening note, then someone broke into her home and stole all her undergarments,” Nick added.

  “She break up with a boyfriend lately?” Walter asked while Nick picked up the rodent and dropped it into an evidence bag.

  “Last long-term relationship she had that I know of was about six months ago, but I think that was a mutual split.”

  “What about men she’s turned down? Or a woman who might be jealous of her?” Nick asked.

  “I don’t keep track of her boyfriends.” Jared felt an unwanted surge of anger course through his veins. He wasn’t sure where it came from, or why. And he sure as hell wouldn’t deal with it, either.

  “Well, let’s go talk to her and get a list,” Nick said, sealing the bag.

  Jared stood next to Ryan while she answered Nick and Walter’s questions. She downplayed any problems she might have had with past boyfriends and jealous friends, but cooperated fully. Jared promised to fax them a list of anyone who’d had contact with her stepfather on the inside. He wouldn’t rule out George hiring an old friend to scare her. Or worse.

  “Want me to drive you home?” Jared asked after the two detectives had left.

  “I’ve got some errands to run.” Her usual happy-go-lucky demeanor had been replaced with a sudden sadness in her eyes.

  “Please be careful. Call me if something seems out of the ordinary. You’ll probably beat me home, so let yourself into the main house.” Placing his hand on the small of her back, he edged her toward the main doors. “I bet you’d enjoy a nice bath.”

  The sun hit his face, along with a gust of warm air that carried her fresh, rosy scent as he opened the lobby doors. Lifting his sunglasses from his pocket, he glanced out over the lake. This would be the first summer in years he wouldn’t be working the lake patrol. It would be the first summer since he’d been a small boy that he wouldn’t be fishing on a Saturday morning.

  “I’d love a long, hot bath,” Ryan said, snapping him out of his trance.

  Mentally, he reminded himself that his new job would more than make up for losing the scenic beauty of Lake George. Besides, Rochester had a couple of Finger Lakes, and Lake Ontario.

  Maybe he could find a nice place on Canandaigua Lake.

  “I’ll pick up some steaks for dinner.” He opened her car door. “Call me as soon as you get home. Make sure you lock the doors, and don’t open them for anyone but me.”

  “I don’t like being scared. And I don’t like you telling me what to do.” She slammed the door shut, rolling down the window. “I spent the first year George went to jail afraid of my own shadow. I refuse to live like that again.” She squinted at him. “And I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you.”

  “I’m only asking you to be safe, babe.” He ran his hand across the back of his neck.

  “And don’t call me that. I’m not your babe.” She rammed the gearshift into drive, jerking the SUV.

  He reached over her, put the car in park, then opened the door and yanked her into his arms.

  Shock registered in her eyes. “Let me go.” She struggled to break free.

  “This isn’t a joke,” he said, cupping her chin.

  The determination he read in her eyes only heightened his awareness of her as a woman. A woman he desired, and that just pissed him off. “I don’t know what the hell I did, but don’t push my buttons, babe.”

  “Push your buttons?” She gaped at him. “Don’t treat me like a child.”

  “I’m just reminding you to use good judgment. You have to take these threats seriously.”

  “You think I don’t know how to lock the doors after everything that’s happened? I’m not stupid.” She managed to shrug herself from his grasp.

  “You wouldn’t come with me the night George decided to snap.” Jared clenched his fists. “I know he raped your mother, but she wouldn’t press charges. She wouldn’t let me take him in and when I got back, his dirty hands were all over you.” Bile seeped to the back of his throat. Every time he thought about that night, uncontrollable rage boiled in his bloodstream.

  “Your clothes were torn and he was touching you,” Jared said. “You were just a kid.” He blinked, trying to force the pictures from his mind, but it never failed. The memory of her kicking and screaming, struggling for life, always crashed with visions of his son lying lifeless in his crib. Two very separate incidents, but both were his fault. “I should’ve made you come with me.”

  Soft fingers glided across his jaw. “I couldn’t leave Mom. Things were out of control, but I knew you’d be back.” She palmed his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. “I’m not sixteen anymore.”

  “I know that.” Taking her wrists in his hands, he kissed the soft swell of her palm. “But being an adult doesn’t make you less vulnerable to some psycho.”

  “I’ll lock the doors, okay?”

  He opened the car door for her, confused by his conflicting emotions. “And call me.”

  She nodded and pulled the seat belt across her lap.

  He watched as she waved, then pulled out of the parking lot. Moments later, he got in his patrol car and headed back to his office. He needed to gather information, but more importantly, get her, and the effect she had on him, off his mind.

  Once he’d settled behind his desk, he started going through the files Frank had collected on every man who’d served with George and had since been released. One name jumped out at him. A sex offender named Rudy Martin, who now resided in Troy, New York, just an hour south of Lake George. It seemed Rudy got his jollies picking up unsuspecting women in bars, tying them up, and then jerking off. “Now that’s just sick. Harmon, get your ass in here.”

  “Yes, sir. What can I do for you, sir?” Once again, Harmon stood at attention.

  “This isn’t the damn military.” Jared closed the file, but kept the rap sheet out.

  “No, sir. We’re Triple A with guns.”

  Jared coughed. “That’s not funny. Don’t ever refer to state troopers as anything less than the highest form of police protection. Unless you want to find yourself hogtied to the back of my pickup with ‘honk if you think I’m a moron’ tattooed on your ass.” The Triple A with guns was such an old jab that it was almost funny, especially when a pimple faced kid used it wearing the trooper uniform.

  “Sorry, sir. My friend at the sheriff’s office said that once, and it sounded funny at the time.” Harmon stiffened even more, if that was possible.

  “You can tell your friend he’s a volunteer firefighter with a badge.”

  “I’ll remember that one.”

  Jared went to the copy machine, slid the paper in, and pushed three. “I want you to get hold of our contact in the Troy office. Have him pick this guy up for routine questioning. Or have his parole officer do it.”

  “What are we questioning him about?”

  “I want to know how well he knew George McIntosh, and if he’s been in
this area at all in the last few weeks. Has he been to the florist? What kind of car he drives. Where he works. Does he like rats?”

  “Sir?”

  “What?”

  “You want to call the contact? Seems like you got a lot of specific questions.” Harmon hadn’t moved a muscle since he walked into Jared’s office.

  “Was your father a military man?”

  “Marines, sir.”

  Jared chuckled. “And you didn’t follow in his footsteps?”

  “Did you follow yours?” Harmon’s eyes grew wide, but never broke contact. The kid did have some spunk. Jared had to give him that.

  “Retired senator.”

  Harmon smiled. “You’d make a good politician.”

  Jared couldn’t stand it anymore, and let out a roar of laughter. “You’re okay, kid. Now just make those phone calls.”

  “Sergeant Blake?” Harmon questioned as Jared made his way out to the hallway. “Does this have anything to do with what’s been happening to Ryan O’Connor?”

  Jared stopped and turned; his heart raced wildly at the mention of her name. “What do you know about that?”

  “I know about the rose.” Harmon stuttered a bit. “And I heard about what happened today at the hotel. She’s a really nice girl.”

  “You know Ryan?” Jared stared at the kid, giving him a once-over. “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-two. I’ve met her a few times.”

  “Stay away from her, you got it?” He poked Frank in the chest. Damn kid didn’t flinch, which annoyed Jared even more. Not to mention that he’d poked rock-solid muscle. “You’re not her type.”

  “Yes, sir. Understand, sir.”

  Jared could’ve sworn the little bastard cracked a smile. “Get back to work.”

  “Should I call you as soon as I find something?”

  “Sure.” Jared stomped out of his office and down the hallway, wiggling his fingers. It had to be the stress of moving that had been affecting his usual good judgment. His parents hadn’t been thrilled when he’d decided to put the house on the market, but his sister Karen and her husband Tim hadn’t wanted to buy it. What other choice did he have?

  Come hell or high water, he was taking this transfer.

  Chapter Four

  “Thanks for coming.” Ryan pulled back the tab on a Diet Coke and handed it to Penny, before grabbing another one for herself. “Want to take this in the family room?”

  “God, I wish I could afford this place.” Penny ran her fingers across the almond colored granite countertops. “I would love to live here.”

  Ryan gripped her soda can. She had known she’d have to move someday, she just thought it would be when she was ready. “Me, too. I asked Jared if he would consider being the bank so I could buy this place, but he didn’t go for it. Said something about he wasn’t that rich.”

  “You could have ten kids, and this kitchen would still seem huge.” Penny opened a few cabinets. “There’s enough dishware in here to serve an army.” She took a big swig of her soda. “How big is this place, anyway?”

  “Here.” Ryan grabbed the fact sheet and shoved it at Penny. “Five thousand square feet, five bedrooms, five and a half baths, and a partridge in a pear tree.”

  “Testy.” Penny wrinkled her nose, and then headed down the short hallway toward the family room, which was really more of a great room housing two oversized sofas, two recliners, a loveseat and ottoman, and a large screen plasma television. Of course, one couldn’t disregard all the expensive artwork and decorations. She couldn’t help but wonder what Jared was going to do with all this stuff.

  “I started looking for a new apartment.” Ryan flipped the switch and the light flickered, illuminating the soft creamy walls, accentuating the chocolate colored couches. “Not much out there.”

  “But this sheet says there’s already a moneymaking tenant.”

  Ryan snatched the listing. “It says the servants’ quarters have been converted to a carriage house which makes a great rental. And do you know what old man Foster gets for his little shack he rents out?” When she flopped onto the sofa, a pillow bounced to the floor.

  “Can’t say that I do.” Penny joined her, tucking her feet under her butt.

  “Fifteen hundred a month, and it’s nothing like the carriage house. Not even close. I can’t afford anything that high. Besides, I should move over to Bolton. It’s closer to work, and these roads get really nasty in the winter. But I’m going to sleep here tonight. With Jared.”

  Penny coughed, then sputtered. “Did you just say what I think you said?” Penny wiped up the soda that had fizzed out of her mouth and landed in her lap. “Don’t say stuff like that when I’m drinking.”

  “I’m serious, Pen. The man doesn’t know how to have a relationship and that suits me just fine. I’m not ready for a lifetime of love, just one freaking night. That’s all I’m asking for.” Ryan let out a slow breath, trying to keep her erratic heartbeat under control.

  “You can’t handle it.” Penny snorted. “He’ll break your heart into tiny little pieces, and I doubt you’ll be able to recover. I think you need to stay the hell away from him.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Ryan muttered.

  “You want me to lie to you? Tell you that I think you should go for it? Come on, Ry. I’ve known you since we were in preschool. You’ve had it bad for Jared since you knew how to say his name. Being with him in the biblical sense will only hurt you, and you know it.”

  Wasn’t that the truth? But Ryan still wanted to know what it would be like to make love to him, no matter the cost. She’d get over it. Her brother’s first wife had run out on him for another man, and he’d survived. He’d found Marci, and now they were expecting their first baby. All was well in his world. So, she’d survive it, if she could get “it” to happen.

  The kitchen door slammed shut. Ryan leaped to her feet and gasped. “Jared?”

  His sexy drawl came from the kitchen. “Yep. Got your brother with me, too.”

  “Great.” Ryan rolled her eyes. Just what she needed, her big brother. And knowing him, he’d demand she come and stay at his place, making up some story that Marci needed her help. Right. Dumbass brother.

  “I’m going to go surprise Chuck.” Penny gave her a sisterly hug. “I got him all hot and bothered on the phone, so I guess I should go put the poor man out of his misery.”

  “Are things going well?” Ryan asked.

  “Well enough.” Penny lowered her chin. “Be careful, okay? I love you lots.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Now get lost.” Ryan shoved Penny toward the kitchen. “And keep your trap shut on the way out. The last thing I need is you and your mouth.”

  Penny dragged Ryan into the kitchen. “You love my mouth.” Penny squeezed Ryan’s cheeks together. “You’ve got such a face.” She smacked her lips against Ryan’s.

  “Gross.” Ryan wiped her mouth. “Save it for the boyfriend.”

  “God, I love a man in uniform.” Penny patted Jared’s arm. “See ya around.”

  “Goodbye, Pen.” Ryan shook her head, watching Penny give a good hip walk to her car. That girl loved to put on a show. Chuck was in for a wicked night.

  “That’s one interesting girl.” Jared laughed.

  “Did you get stuff to fix my door?” Ryan asked, and then landed a quick kiss on her brother’s cheek.

  “Didn’t have time; you can just crash here for now.” Jared ducked his head into the pantry and pulled out a cutting board and some seasonings. “Want a beer, Pat?”

  “I think Ryan should come back to my place,” Pat said, his lips drawn into a tight line.

  “She’s fine here.” Jared clunked the wooden board down on the table and removed his gun belt, setting it on the counter in what seemed like one swift movement.

  Ryan bit her tongue and looked between the two men, who were acting as if she wasn’t even in the room. No point in adding fuel to the fire. They never listened to her anyway.

  �
��Marci could use the help, and I’d feel better if Ryan were with me, under the circumstances.” Pat leaned against the counter, with his hands braced on either side. His face was tight and his blue eyes filled with determination. But not once did he glance her way.

  Jared tilted his head and tapped his badge. “She’s safer with me.”

  “I’m her brother.”

  Ryan blinked. The gorilla chest pounding would begin at any moment. “Look, fellas. I think I’ve got this under control. I’m going down to the village to find myself some hot guy, go home with him, and have hot, wild sex. A package of condoms is all the protection I’ll need, so enjoy your steaks.”

  “Ryan. That’s not funny.” Pat contorted his face even more, if that was possible. He had this look in his eyes, like he had when he used to scold her as a child.

  “What bar?” Jared asked with a devilish twinkle in his eye.

  “Don’t encourage her,” Pat said, taking a step toward Jared.

  “Hey, if she’s going to pick up some guy, it might as well be me. I just want to know where she’s going so I can go too.” Jared winked.

  “Get your things, Ryan, you’re coming home with me,” Pat said.

  “Save the parenting for the new baby, big bro. I’m a grown-up.”

  “She looks like a grown-up to me,” Jared said, checking her out.

  His roaming eyes sent a hot shiver up her spine. “Oh, for crying out loud. I can’t believe the two of you have the balls to talk to each other like I’m not even in the room.”

  Jared cocked his head and lifted a brow.

  “Don’t say it.” She glared at him. “And don’t tell me what to do, either.” The only way to deal with a Neanderthal was to act like one.

  “Ryan.” Jared’s fingers swept across the back of her neck, then squeezed gently. “I have plenty of room, and I think it would be safer if you stayed here. With me. A cop.”

  Ryan swallowed as she stared into his intense blue-green eyes. His thumb still lingered on her neck, rubbing softly in small circles, sending signals to places that might make someone think the temperature had escalated to an all-time high. “Thanks. Now don’t let this go to your head, but I’d have to agree.”